Wireless Power Beam Routing for Local Solar Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy technologies are inefficient and cost-ineffective due to distant points-of-conversion from points of power consumption, leading to energy loss and insufficient power for devices, especially when collecting and converting energy exterior to a structure or using ambient light.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power distribution system that collects and collimates energy to form a power beam, which is then distributed via redirectors through various pathways to a converter for immediate use or storage at the point-of-use, utilizing collectors and collimators like SunCentral's SunBooster and SunBeamer technologies, and converters such as photovoltaic cells or thermophotovoltaic cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solar energy is collected and converted exterior to a structure or using ambient light, then the system can provide power distribution, but the points-of-conversion are distant from points of power consumption leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power distribution function by deploying multiple portable power units throughout the structure, each converting solar energy locally near its consumption points. This divides the single distant conversion point into multiple local conversion points, reducing the average distance between energy conversion and consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless power transmission as a new dimension for energy delivery, allowing power to be transmitted through air rather than constrained to physical electrical connections. This enables portable power units to convert energy locally and wirelessly deliver it to devices, effectively eliminating the distance constraint between conversion and consumption points.
2Power
If solar energy is collected exterior to a structure, then power can be distributed inside, but the amount of power is insufficient for many point of use devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the total power requirement into multiple smaller power units distributed throughout the structure. Each portable power unit has its own solar collection area, and multiple units working in parallel provide sufficient total power for numerous point-of-use devices without requiring a single large collection area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portable power unit is designed with localized power conversion and storage capabilities tailored to the specific needs of nearby devices. This allows different areas of the structure to have power units with appropriate power output and storage capacity, optimizing overall power availability without requiring uniform large-scale collection infrastructure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If ambient light is used to power devices, then the system can operate without external power sources, but the energy available is insufficient for extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The portable power units incorporate energy storage devices that pre-store energy collected during periods of high solar availability. This preliminary energy storage allows devices to operate during extended periods when ambient light is insufficient, decoupling device operation duration from immediate energy availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameter by incorporating rechargeable batteries or capacitors in each portable power unit. This transforms the transient ambient light energy into storable chemical or electrical energy, enabling extended device operation beyond the immediate availability of light energy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances efficiency by converting solar energy near points of consumption, reducing energy loss and providing sufficient power for devices, including low and high-powered devices, with the option for energy storage for later use.
Implementation Method 1
collected and collimated to form a power beam
Implementation Method 2
converters such as photovoltaic cells or thermophotovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 3
thermophotovoltaic cells
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.